Aldeburgh Music

Music and the Brain 6

A workshop with Alan Wing and the Signum Quartet

Neuroscientist Professor Alan Wing and his team from the University of Birmingham have been working with the Signum Quartet to explore the senses they employ in achieving such remarkable levels of ensemble synchronisation.

Using motion-capture technology to create a virtual First Violinist who leads either with head, bow or violin movements, Professor Wing will demonstrate how accurate timing depends on each quartet member watching and listening to colleagues.

The workshop will seek to show what happens to the quartet’s ensemble when the performers have to rely on watching without listening, and then on listening without watching.

An open discussion follows about the complex social and musical interactions that can affect the hierarchy of who leads the ensemble at any given moment.